Biomolecular zonal compositions and methods

Abstract

A composition is provided including biospheres and bacteria, wherein the biospheres are cellulosic biopolymers and sized in the range from 500 nanometers to 80 microns and have a minimum free swell absorption capacity of 400 times by weight and a maximum free swell absorption capacity of 1200 times by weight, wherein the composition is formable as a gelatinous matrix.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A composition comprising a blend of rechargeable biospheres and water, and optionally bacteria, biological and/or chemical reagents, wherein the biospheres are cellulosic biopolymers and have a free swell absorption capacity, wherein the composition is formable into an environmentally responsive gelatinous matrix which delivers and sustains bacteria, biological and/or chemical reagents in situ. 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the biospheres gradually release moisture. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity of the composition is from 6 centipoise (cps) to 217 centipoise (cps). 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity of the composition is from 217 centipoise (cps) to 1,159 centipoise (cps). 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity of the composition is from 1,236 centipoise (cps) to 5,021 centipoise (cps). 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the viscosity of the composition is from 5,021 centipoise (cps) to 47,311 centipoise (cps). 
     
     
       7. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the biospheres are sized in the range from 500 nanometers to 80 microns. 
     
     
       8. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the biospheres have a maximum free swell absorption capacity of 1200 times by weight. 
     
     
       9. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the biospheres have a minimum free swell absorption capacity of 400 times by weight. 
     
     
       10. A method for bioremediation in situ, the method comprising:
 preparing a blend of liquid bacterial culture with biospheres, wherein the biospheres are cellulosic biopolymers and sized in the range from 500 nanometers to 80 microns and have a minimum free swell absorption capacity of 400 times by weight and a maximum free swell absorption capacity of 1200 times by weight; 
 applying the blend at a site in need of bioremediation; and
 forming a gelatinous matrix with the blend. 
 
 
     
     
       11. A method for delivering and/or hosting biological and/or chemical reagents in a gelatinous matrix, the method comprising:
 obtaining biospheres which are cellulosic biopolymers and sized in the range from 500 nanometers to 80 microns and have a minimum free swell absorption capacity of 400 times by weight and a maximum free swell absorption capacity of 1200 times by weight; 
 mixing the biospheres with a bacterial and/or chemical reagent to form a mixture; and 
 forming a gelatinous matrix with the mixture.